Hotwire Hotel: Hotel Burnham, Monaco, or Amalfi 3/6/07

[BQuicksilver]

Title really says it all, my wife and I are planning a short chicago trip to see Wicked and the Body World exhibit early next week (tues night 3/6). I was just curious as to what the best hotline bid strategies and bid values have been to help assure one of these three. I'd prefer Burnham > Monaco > Amalfi. We've been to Hotel Monaco many times and LOVE it, but just wanted to try something different with Burnham since it appears close to the theatre.

I'll start digging through the archives now, but sometimes this place is so helpful that it's easies to ask up front.

I'm fine with Priceline as well, it's just my understanding that Hotwire is easier to 'read'...and of course I'll use the forum's links.

[thereuare]

All you can do is take what's offered on your HOTWIRE search... and currently nothing offered matches the amenities associated with the hotels you want in the Hotwire Hotel List

[BQuicksilver]

So HOTWIRE isn't working with any of those hotels? bummer

[AaronJB]

The Amalfi, to my knowledge, has never been seen on Hotwire. It has been reported once or twice that I can remember since it opened, on Priceline. The Burnham and Monaco occasionally appear on Hotwire or as wins on Priceline, but more rarely as of recent months.

I'd be happy to suggest some alternates; what's your budget?

[thereuare]

So HOTWIRE isn't working with any of those hotels? bummer

No, this isn't the case... they're just not currently offered on your dates.

HOTWIRE will only show the least expensive option at each star level in each zone... so while there may be many 4* hotels in a given area, only the least expensive one will be offered on a given search.

Not sure what you're looking to spend, but given the type of properties you like, i'd have a look at Quickbook.

[BQuicksilver]

Ah, i understand how it works now...

We'd like to keep it under $120 as an absolute max. We'd prefer to make that $120 after room taxes, so $105ish would be better, but we won't cry about $120 for a cool hotel.

Being within walking distance of the Ford theatre would be nice, and we'd really like something interesting/different if possible. Monaco has always been our favorite hotel, so that probably tells you a lot. It just used to be a LOT cheaper.

The other couple we're meeting up with will be at the W Lakeshore (they have an employee discount of $65 that we couldn't get), and we plan to eat at Grand Lux, so hotels nearby either of those would also be secondarily preferable.

Thanks In Advance!

[AaronJB]

Unfortunately, I'm not seeing anything too neat in terms of hotels for that night, but cheap is not a problem. On HOTWIRE, there's a 4* in the Mag Mile/Streeterville area with the amenities: fitness/business/restaurant/pool/spa for $76. That would likely be a match for the Hyatt; not the greatest hotel, but cheap and a good central location.

Better quality-wise (but more expensive) would be the Wyndham, which is $108 non-refundable on Expedia. I've stayed at the Wyndham a couple of times and while I'm indifferent about the staff, I think it's a very nice, very comfortable hotel in a good location and more of a 4* than the Hyatt. Both times I've stayed there I've found the rooms to be quite clean and they're a little more spacious than the average room downtown. Nice beds, very nice bathrooms. There's a Corner Bakery across the street if you don't want to go far for eats. That would be close to the Grand Lux; closer than the W.

In fact, if one couple wanted to meet the other couple at one hotel or vice versa, the Wyndham would be a pretty quick stroll to the W or vice versa. It's only about 3 or 4 blocks between the W Lakeshore and the Wyndham. $108's a good price for the Wyndham, which is often much more. I've actually paid a little more than that via Priceline bidding for the Wyndham and been satisfied w/it. In terms of location and price.

There is a 3.5* HOTWIRE hotel for your dates in the Mag Mile/Streeterville area with the amenities: fitness/business/pool/restaurant/hi-speed internet. $89. While no guarantees, that could be a match for either the Sheraton or the Wyndham. While I personally like the Wyndham more than the Sheraton, the Sheraton would also be close to both the W and Grand Lux.

[thereuare]

The Wyndham (please use our link) is also available directly thru their own website for $107 and no booking fee (so a bit better than the Expedia offer).

AaronJB can comment on how the location would work out for you, but the Millennium Knickerbocker is also available thru Quickbook for $119. They also have the Affinia Chicago for a bit more than your price, at $144/nite.

[AaronJB]

I'd say go for the Wyndham for $107 w/no booking fee. That's a very good deal for the Wyndham and a nice hotel. That particular Wyndham is definitely a business hotel (crisp, modern, very nice amenities, but subdued when it comes to style), but it's kept up very well (in my experience. In both instances, I've not seen any dust, which, in my experience, is a rarity in Chicago hotels.) Good location right off Michigan Ave, too and again, I really feel like the rooms there are more spacious (bigger-than-norm bathrooms, big rooms) than most downtown rooms.